Health Information

Concerns About Your Health

Anger that leads to threats and verbal abuse is not okay in
any relationship. They are forms of emotional abuse. If you live in fear of
physical or emotional abuse, call your doctor.

It may be hard for
you to ask for help or talk about the abuse. There are many reasons you may
feel this way. Often abusers use psychological, emotional, and physical abuse
along with apologies, promises, and affection to control their victims. You may
feel confused and hold on to the hope that your abuser will change. Your abuser
may ask for forgiveness, make promises to stop, act loving, or buy you gifts.
Along with painful times, there may be loving moments and happy memories. Your
abuser may be a good provider or parent.

Once abuse starts, it
usually gets worse if steps are not taken to stop it. Verbal and emotional
abuse can turn into physical violence. If you are in an abusive relationship,
ask for help. This may be hard, but know you are not alone. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you find resources
in your area. Call toll-free:
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233), or see the website at www.ndvh.org

Reasons to ask for help

Living in an abusive
relationship can cause long-term health problems. Some of these health problems
include:

Violence can get worse during pregnancy.
Abused women are more likely to have problems such as low weight gain, anemia,
infections, and bleeding during pregnancy. Abuse during this time may increase
the baby's risk of low birth weight, premature birth, or death.

Domestic violence also affects children who witness abuse or who may experience dating abuse. Children who
grow up in a violent home are likely to have more problems with depression,
poor school performance, aggressive behavior, withdrawal, and complaints like
stomachaches and headaches. Teens are more likely to use drugs and alcohol,
have behavior problems, or try suicide.

Growing up in a violent
home teaches children that violence is a normal way of life. It may increase
the chance that they will be part of a violent relationship as adults, either
as abusers or as victims.

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